Committee Summary for House Commerce and Consumer Affairs (01/22/2026)

Bill/Time	Type	Title	Sponsor
HB1673 00:04:03.760 - 9:03:29 AM	Public Hearing	allowing certain liquor manufacturers to sell to on-premises licensees.	Beaulier, Calvin(R)[A+]2025
HB1679 01:00:44.480 - 10:00:10 AM	Public Hearing	establishing a beverage container redemption program.	Murray, Alissandra(D)[D-]2025
HB1589 03:18:07.120 - 12:17:33 PM	Executive Session	establishing the digital choice act.	Litchfield, Melissa(R)[B+]2025
HB1725 03:22:28.319 - 12:21:54 PM	Executive Session	relative to the regulation of artificial intelligence technologies.	Long, Patrick(D)[D]2025
Unclear 03:24:07.520 - 12:23:33 PM	Executive Session	the paint stewardship program
Unclear 03:28:52.960 - 12:28:18 PM	Executive Session	banning PFAS in condoms and lubricants
Unclear 03:45:47.520 - 12:45:13 PM	Executive Session	restricting the texting of unsolicited advertising including political campaigns
HB1606 03:46:36.080 - 12:46:02 PM	Executive Session	regulating real property ownership by Chinese nationals and providing for civil, criminal, and administrative penalties.	Belcher, Mike(R)[B+]2025
HB1444 proposed amendment to follow federal law 03:49:50.239 - 12:49:16 PM	Executive Session	relative to the purchase or acquisition of certain unmanned aircraft systems.	Moffett, Michael(R)[B+]2025
HB1558 03:57:14.560 - 12:56:40 PM	Executive Session	requiring proof of insurance or adequate financial responsibility for vehicle registration.	Vandecasteele, Susan(R)[B+]2025
HB1463 04:19:17.600 - 1:18:43 PM	Executive Session	requiring the insurance department to conduct an analysis and produce a report detailing compliance with the state's managed care and medical utilization review laws.	Tellez, Trinidad(D)[F]2025
HB1812 04:25:45.920 - 1:25:11 PM	Executive Session	requiring periodic evaluation of mental health access adequacy by an independent third party.	Gregg, Alicia(D)[D-]2025
HB1761 04:28:29.520 - 1:27:55 PM	Executive Session	expanding the New Hampshire paid family and medical leave program.	Beauchemin, Paige(D)[F]2025
HB1197 Multiple proposed amendments 04:32:13.520 - 1:31:39 PM	Executive Session	making technical corrections to certain insurance laws.	Hunt, John(R)[B+]2025
HB1568 04:56:20.160 - 1:55:46 PM	Executive Session	relative to mandatory minimum insurance coverage requirements for motor vehicles.	Barton, Joseph(R)[A-]2025

HB1673: Representative Calvin Boler, Grafton 1 district Support00:04:03.760 - 9:03:29 AM; Representative Boler introduces HB 1673, explaining it aims to allow nano distillers to sell small, limited batches of spirits directly to on-premise licensees like restaurants, similar to provisions for microbrewers. He notes the bill starts a conversation to enable economic activity and tourism without significantly impacting state revenues. He acknowledges a fiscal note estimating a $2.6 million loss and expresses willingness to amend for revenue neutrality, such as through additional markups. He describes the challenges for small distillers in the north country, who produce tiny amounts not feasible for the state warehouse, and invites questions.
HB1673: Chris Shepard, owner, Groton, NH Support00:15:26.880 - 9:14:52 AM; Chris Shepard owns a small liquor manufacturer, restaurant with on-premise license, and brewery in a 20x20 garage in Groton, NH, with a 50-square-foot distillery space and 50-gallon still. He has not started distilling due to lack of a mechanism to transfer 2-3 cases of spirits from his distillery to his restaurant bar just 20 feet away. The Liquor Commission suggested shipping to the Bow warehouse and back, a 4-hour round trip, without a minimum quantity specified. He seeks a simple reporting and tax payment method to avoid this, noting he cannot even offer tastings without moving product. He emphasizes the impracticality for such small quantities.
HB1673: Lieutenant Matthew Culver, New Hampshire State Liquor Commission Information Only00:19:47.039 - 9:19:13 AM; Lieutenant Culver respects the challenges for small manufacturers like Shepard and is open to working with the sponsor and constituents for a solution. He highlights issues with the bill: it could allow all 17 liquor manufacturers (15 producing under 1,000 cases) to sell directly to on-premise licensees, leading to the estimated $2.6 million revenue loss by bypassing the commission. He notes unintended language permitting off-premise sales in closed bottles. He suggests subcommittee discussion to create a de minimis exception (e.g., under 100 cases) for truly small producers to their own on-premise locations, with an 8% tax, ensuring it's limited and revenue-protected.
HB1673: Representative Burrows Information Only00:25:59.600 - 9:25:25 AM; Representative Burrows discusses the concept of de minimis in the context of the bill, clarifying that the language is lifted from the direct shipping law and explains the historical context of limits like 10,000 cases set 30 years ago. He notes that the bill addresses a small unique situation similar to direct shippers and mentions recent smaller limits for production but emphasizes this is about something different. He also comments on the complexity of liquor laws requiring legislative attention.
HB1673: Representative John Hunt from Raymond Oppose00:35:24.320 - 9:34:50 AM; Representative John Hunt states that the bill was introduced in September and he signed off on it, but notes that the issue has already been addressed through a bill passed on the House floor via the consent calendar. Therefore, he considers HB 1673 unnecessary at this point.
HB1679: Representative Sullivan Information Only01:00:44.480 - 10:00:10 AM; Representative Sullivan introduces HB 1679, noting it is not his bill but he was asked to present it. He explains it is modeled on Oregon's successful redemption bottle bill program and aims to start a discussion on the pros and cons, as he has had constituents ask about it and knows of statewide support.
HB1679: Kevin Dagel, New Hampshire Grocers Association Oppose01:02:36.000 - 10:02:02 AM; Kevin Dagel testifies in opposition to HB 1679, arguing that a bottle bill increases costs and burdens businesses, weakens existing recycling systems, and provides no meaningful environmental gains. He describes it as a regressive fee affecting low-income consumers using WIC and SNAP, who face higher out-of-pocket costs. The bill requires unsanitary storage of returns near food areas, risking pests and contamination. It also impacts municipal recycling revenues. He highlights industry efforts through New Hampshire the Beautiful, including grants and free blue bags for litter cleanup, and urges finding the bill inexpedient to legislate.
HB1679: Benji on behalf of New Hampshire Oppose01:05:54.559 - 10:05:20 AM; Benji, who works with collection systems across New England and New York, serves on the board of New Beautiful, a local nonprofit aiding community recycling, and is a member of the state's solid waste working group. He opposes HB 1679, citing concerns about establishing an inefficient system for the beverage program.
HB1679: Mike Summers, New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association Oppose01:09:51.920 - 10:09:17 AM; Mike Summers, President and CEO of the New Hampshire Lodging and Restaurant Association, opposes the bill due to storage challenges for redemptions in small restaurants like pizza shops, which lack space for bottles. He highlights sanitation issues, including pests, insects, and odors from unclean containers, which could compromise food production environments. During questioning, he notes variable recycling efforts among members, with some municipalities not accepting glass, and no recent survey on aluminum can returns.
HB1679: Lieutenant Matthew Culver, New Hampshire Liquor Commission Information Only01:12:01.600 - 10:11:27 AM; Lieutenant Culver provides information on the bill's impact on Title 13, specifically RSA 178:26, which imposes a 30 cents per gallon fee on wholesale distributors. If the beverage container deposit legislation passes, this fee reduces to 18 cents per gallon, resulting in an estimated $4 million annual revenue loss for the state. He notes the bill shifts responsibilities to the Department of Environmental Services but affects Liquor Commission licenses, with distributors handling deposits.
HB1589: Committee Discussion Vote03:18:07.120 - 12:17:33 PM; The committee discusses HB 1589, deeming it unworkable as it involves federal authority, interstate commerce, and global platforms. Testimony notes it could worsen personal information disclosure. Motion for inexpedient to legislate (ITL) is made, seconded, and passes 7-0.
HB1725: Committee Discussion Vote03:22:28.319 - 12:21:54 PM; The committee recognizes AI as a long-term issue and moves for interim study to continue discussion. Motion by Representative Ammon, seconded by Representative Patusk, passes 8-0.
Unclear: Committee Discussion Vote03:24:07.520 - 12:23:33 PM; Discussion references the blue bag statute and nonprofit involvement in recycling, addressing antitrust concerns. Notes successful funding models, including casino contributions. Motion for interim study to keep the topic alive passes 8-0.
Unclear: Committee Discussion Vote03:28:52.960 - 12:28:18 PM; Extensive discussion on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in products like condoms and lubricants, relying on testing by organizations like EWG, CDC, and EPA. Concerns include incomplete testing, enforcement via self-reporting, potential contamination processes, and health risks like cancers (thyroid, testicular, prostate, etc.). Emphasis on environmental impact on water and landfills. Motion for interim study to clarify processes and application passes 7-1.
Unclear: Committee Discussion Vote03:45:47.520 - 12:45:13 PM; Committee suggests ITL motion due to concerns with the bill. Motion by Representative Ammon, seconded by Representative Patusk, passes 8-0.
HB1606: Committee Discussion Vote03:46:36.080 - 12:46:02 PM; Bill deemed redundant with budget provisions and discriminatory, including objectionable civil asset forfeiture. Motion for ITL by Representative Walter, seconded by Rep. Mel, passes 8-0.
HB1444 proposed amendment to follow federal law: Committee Discussion Information Only03:49:50.239 - 12:49:16 PM; Committee reviews proposed amendment to replace the bill, requiring cities, towns, and political subdivisions to comply with federal regulations on drone purchases to avoid sketchy sources. Clarifies it applies only to government entities, not individuals. Amendment to be drafted by legislative services for subcommittee review on February 4.
HB1558: Representative Sud Vander Castile, Sponsor Support03:57:14.560 - 12:56:40 PM; The sponsor explains that HB 1558 aims to require proof of insurance or a $25,000 security bond at vehicle registration, enforcing existing RSA 264 law proactively rather than after accidents. She argues this promotes financial responsibility, slows careless registrations of unsafe vehicles, and protects Granite Staters from uninsured drivers without adding state costs or real-time monitoring. She cites statistics showing 10% of drivers uninsured and shares examples of accident victims bearing costs.
HB1558: Representative John Hunt, Cheshire - District 14 Oppose04:00:24.399 - 12:59:50 PM; Representative Hunt opposes the bill, arguing it contradicts New Hampshire's 'live free or die' principle by mandating proof of financial responsibility upfront for all, even good drivers who may not afford it. He emphasizes innocence until proven guilty via irresponsible driving, notes potential barriers for low-income or returning military individuals, and highlights town clerks' reluctance to enforce such checks.
HB1558: Committee Member (Unidentified) Information Only04:04:58.000 - 1:04:24 PM; The member points out that uninsured motorist coverage on policies protects against uninsured drivers, addressing the sponsor's concerns about accident victims without requiring upfront proof from all registrants.
HB1558: Committee Member (Unidentified) Oppose04:07:40.000 - 1:07:06 PM; The member expresses concern that the bill burdens town clerks with enforcement responsibilities they do not want, such as verifying bonds or insurance, potentially leading to backlash and complicating registration without preventing lapses in coverage post-registration.
HB1558: Committee Member (Unidentified) Oppose04:09:33.520 - 1:08:59 PM; The member argues the bill creates barriers for young graduates or returning military personnel who need vehicles for jobs but lack immediate funds for insurance or bonds, prioritizing access to transportation over mandatory proof.
HB1558: Committee Member (Unidentified) Information Only04:11:20.560 - 1:10:46 PM; The member seeks clarification on the bill's objective to ensure financial responsibility at registration time but notes it does not prevent cancellations later, questioning its effectiveness in reducing uninsured drivers compared to current post-accident enforcement.
HB1558: Committee Member (Unidentified) Oppose04:17:03.600 - 1:16:29 PM; The member challenges the sponsor on how the bill slows reckless registrations, arguing determined individuals could still fraudulently obtain insurance and cancel it, or buy cheap cars without proof, undermining the goal.
HB1463: Insurance Department Representative Information Only04:19:17.600 - 1:18:43 PM; The representative explains that recent prior authorization legislation is being implemented with imminent rulemaking to address compliance and clarity. They suggest the bill is premature and recommend interim study to review rules by September, offering to collaborate with stakeholders. They note rulemaking will cover processes but not a full automated system, which would be costly.
HB1463: Committee Member (Unidentified) Support04:20:15.359 - 1:19:41 PM; The member proposes an amendment to replace the bill with a requirement for the insurance department to make prior authorization checklists available to physicians, simplifying claims without financial impact, based on testimony from a doctor about administrative hurdles.
HB1463: Committee Member (Unidentified) Information Only04:23:35.439 - 1:23:01 PM; The member clarifies that the proposed checklist access is already addressed in statutes and recent plain English requirements, but emphasizes waiting for rulemaking to ensure insurance companies produce understandable documents, potentially reducing resubmissions by 70-80%.
HB1463: Committee Chair Information Only04:24:27.120 - 1:23:53 PM; The chair recommends interim study to assess if upcoming rules address physician concerns about prior authorization clarity and enforcement, noting the recent passage of related legislation.
HB1812: Insurance Department Representative Oppose04:25:45.920 - 1:25:11 PM; The representative notes recent legislation on mental health network adequacy, including notifications for new patients and expedited licensing, with upcoming rulemaking to update rules. They argue the state is ahead of others in verification and recommend ITL as issues can be addressed through rulemaking rather than new evaluations.
HB1812: Committee Chair Information Only04:26:57.520 - 1:26:23 PM; The chair references recent passage of mental health provisions and moves for ITL, citing network adequacy progress and the need to avoid redundant measures.
HB1761: Committee Chair Information Only04:28:29.520 - 1:27:55 PM; The chair discusses positive marketplace statistics from labor representatives, including individual purchases of coverage, and moves for interim study instead of a study committee to accommodate Senate participation, noting the sponsor's agreement.
HB1761: Committee Member (Unidentified) Information Only04:29:24.479 - 1:28:50 PM; The member confirms the motion for interim study on the expansion, clarifying it replaces the need for a full study committee and addresses amendment concerns by studying the entire bill.
HB1197 Multiple proposed amendments: DJ Bettton Court, Insurance Commissioner Support04:32:13.520 - 1:31:39 PM; The commissioner presents a memo on proposed amendments to enhance enforcement fines from $2,500 to $5,000 for non-responsive out-of-state entities, add discretion for misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude in licensing, clean up licensure denial references, provide flexibility for student insurance including dental/vision, and adjust continuing care retirement community homestead exemptions to align with recent legislation. He emphasizes these technical changes safeguard consumers without diminishing existing penalties.
HB1197 Multiple proposed amendments: Jennifer Smith, Legislative Director, Insurance Department Information Only04:49:15.920 - 1:48:41 PM; Smith supports the amendments, detailing that student insurance expansions clarify inclusion of ancillary products like dental and vision for non-employer groups, addressing statutory oversights from decades ago to allow beneficial products without altering approval processes.
HB1197 Multiple proposed amendments: Committee Chair Information Only04:36:36.719 - 1:36:02 PM; The chair questions enforcement motivations post-fine cap, confirming license revocation under existing statutes, and seeks clarification on student coverage scope, accepting explanations on group definitions and ancillary products.
HB1197 Multiple proposed amendments: Committee Member (Unidentified) Information Only04:42:05.520 - 1:41:31 PM; The member raises concerns about using accusations or reduced charges to deny licenses, emphasizing trust in the judicial system and requiring convictions related to insurance duties.
HB1568: Committee Member (Unidentified) Oppose04:56:20.160 - 1:55:46 PM; The member criticizes opposition arguments on supply-demand impacts as dubious, noting only 7% uninsured and that underwriting and loss ratios prevent broad premium hikes. He supports personal responsibility and votes against ITL.
HB1568: Committee Member (Unidentified) Information Only04:57:29.280 - 1:56:55 PM; The member explains that mandating insurance gives companies leverage to inflate premiums since purchase is required, though acknowledging the small uninsured segment may limit overall impact.
HB1568: Committee Chair Oppose04:58:20.240 - 1:57:46 PM; The chair argues against mandating insurance, as it forces coverage on low-risk or unaffordable cases, potentially increasing fraud or claims from 'sketchy' drivers, and allows insurers to avoid high-risk pools, keeping premiums low. He supports no-fault systems where individuals cover themselves.
HB1568: Committee Member (Unidentified) Support05:02:38.718 - 2:02:04 PM; The member counters that mandating insurance promotes responsibility, as $25,000 minimum is insufficient for real liabilities, and heavy insurance states use no-fault to protect victims regardless of the at-fault driver's coverage.
HB1568: Committee Member (Unidentified) Information Only05:07:50.638 - 2:07:16 PM; The speaker is discussing scheduling matters related to the bill, inquiring about availability next week on both days, confirming the 28th as Tuesday, mentioning the 20th and 29th, and asking if it is a subcommittee or a hearing.

Hunt, John(Chairman)(R)[B+]2025	Post, Lisa(Clerk)(R)[A]2025	Potucek, John(V Chairman)(R)[A-]2025
Salvi, Santosh(D)[CT]2025	Chourasia, Manoj(D)[F]2025	Ammon, Keith(R)[A]2025
Herbert, Christopher(D)[D-]2025	Osborne, Jason(R)[A+]2025	Thackston, Dick(R)[B+]2025
Walsh, Lilli(R)[B]2025	Porcelli, Susan(R)[B]2025	Spier, Carry(D)[D-]2025
Burroughs, Anita(D)[F]2025	Gibbs, Merryl(D)[D-]2025	McAleer, Chris(D)[D-]2025
Sullivan, Jared(D)[D]2025	Miles, Julie(R)[A-]2025	Presa, Adam(R)[B]2025